NATIONAL CYCLING

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32343, 8 July 1970, Page 15

NATIONAL CYCLING

Papanui’s Fast Time

The third placing gained by the Papanui cyclists in the 25-mile national Hope Gibbons time trials final at Levin, last week-end was a sterling performance. Their time for the third quarter of the race—l4min 7sec over a distance of 6) miles—was the fastest sectional time recorded by any team on the day. They also gained time honours on the last half of the trial.

The team rode according to its pre-race plan. On the tough, undulating first quarter, they were content to ride themselves in. The pace was increased on the next quarter, and an all-out effort was put into the final half. After being third to last at the half-way mark, the Papanui riders passed five teams on the homeward run, to finish only 23sec behind the winning team, Palmerston North.

The team manager (Mr W. I Thorpe) said yesterday that | the Papanui riders had taken the first quarter a little too I lightly and as a result were ; unable to bridge the gap to the leading teams over the 1 final stages. I The five cyclists finished the race together—illustrating their team-work ability. J. Delore and J. Mullan, both juniors in their second year of amateur riding, did exceptionally well to maintain the fast pace. A. Hood, as anchor man,: rode strongly, R. E. Bush per- 'I formed above expectations, j| and H. R. Busch completed/ the fine effort of the team. '